Hepatitis C virus infection transmits quite efficiently via injection drug use especially when partners share needles. There is controversy in the literature over whether it spreads through sexual contact, but the general consensus is that sexual transmission is not an efficient means of transmission. There is no question, however, that large or repetitive percutaneous exposure to infected blood is the most efficient means of hepatitis C transmission (Centers for Disease Control, 2011).
A person who uses injection drugs only once can acquire hepatitis C virus infection.
Blood Transfusions
If a person receives blood transfusions and the blood has not undergone satisfactory screening, there is the possibility that the recipient will acquire hepatitis C virus. Hence, people who received transfusions or solid organ transplants prior to July of 1992 were more likely to acquire this disease than individuals who have had transfusions since that year.
Patients who received clotting factor concentrates before 1987 were at risk because the screening of blood products was not as good then as it is today.
Chronic hemodialysis patients are at risk for hepatitis C virus infection. Patients who have human immunodeficiency virus may acquire hepatitis C, and children whose mothers were hepatitis C virus positive during pregnancy can get it. Health care workers, of course, will be at risk because they may suffer occupational needle stick injuries.
Invasive medical procedures can transmit hepatitis C virus too, but as long as the hospital staff follow the standard precautions to prevent hospital-acquired infection, these incidents should not take place. Hepatitis C can also transmit through tattooing, acupuncture, and body piercing if the instruments have not had sufficient sterilization between clients.
Household Transmission
The disease can spread to household members who share razors, toothbrushes, or other personal items which may acquire blood contaminated with the virus. However, unless there is direct exposure to blood, household members do not usually acquire this infection from someone else in the home. Hepatitis C virus does not transmit with casual contact, shaking hands, hugging, or sharing food or drinks.
Finally, unlike human immunodeficiency virus infection which can transmit to the baby via breastfeeding, hepatitis C virus does not spread in this manner.
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control. (2011). Viral hepatitis. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
- World Health Organization. (2011). Hepatitis C. Retrieved August 4, 2011.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact their physician for advice.
Michael Koger - Dr. Koger obtained his medical education at Meharry Medical College and specialized in Internal Medicine.
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